Mama Roberta's Birthday

 

 

It’s a beautiful day.  The weather is cool and sunny, with temperatures expected to remain in the 80s for the rest of the day. Currently, there has not been any rain.   I haven’t been up that long.  I woke up at my usual time.  Fed the furball who is probably back in bed.

I did a few text chats and will do some more shortly.  Then I need to get ready for the grocery delivery.  I have already had a change in the items.  I hope I saved money today.   

Today is Mama Roberta’s Birthday.  I will probably call her later today before the meetup like I usually do.  I have been texting during the week.  The previous occasion I sent her a message was Monday.   She was scheduled for a doctor's appointment.   I recall she learns today.

I heard from her around 11 and she is nervous.  I sent her prayers and good thoughts to face this.

The rest of the day will probably stick close to home and in front of the TV until the meetup tonight.

I texted Tania.   She seems to be doing well.  She will be on vacation next week as well.

Aw Jeese.  I just found out my Friend Telka’s husband has had a health issue this past week.  He Will need a stent and a few other things. 

At around 11, the second dress I ordered was delivered. Once again, I wondered if I had mistakenly placed three orders at the same time.  I am relieved to see I might be wrong again.  I need to check the return policy.  Okay that’s done.  I just need to drop it off to either Ulta or staples.  I can do that before heading off to the meetup-or did I say that already.

Uh, some of you may find this weird, I am not overtly religious.  I'm somewhat spiritual.   I do pray when things feel overwhelming or I am feeling stressed.  I paused briefly to offer prayers for my friends who are facing challenges today.

 

 

At three, I texted Mama and here’s her reply:

 

Not great news. The tumor in the right breast is located inferiorly, while the tumor in the left breast is situated superiorly. As a result, bilateral breast reduction would involve a complex procedure.   Faster solution is still a double mastectomy

 

The rest of the night went well despite some bumps.   I couldn’t find my phone before leaving for the meetup.  The girls had promised to call after 8 pm.  However, they didn’t but I found it on my own.  It was in the closet.  I found it in a hanger box in the closet. 

The other bumps were two car accidents on 95.  One was by exit 41 and the other was on the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven. The one on the northbound made me late for the Meetup.

We had a great time.  It was Paula G, Gill, Me, Laura, and followed by Faith.  We eventually ordered dinner.  I did have pancakes and sausage.  I had a ginger Ale and the rest of the time I had water.  I effectively managed my dinner spending.

We talked about the wedding and the final preparations.  I showed my dress (the one that’s going back) and shoes that I am going to wear for the wedding.

We also talked about pets, the feral group of cats and expectations for the next round.  We discussed the manner in which our pets encountered mice.   We talked about a lot of things.

It was time for me to come home.  I left around 7:30 and drove home.  There was no visible evidence of previous traffic accidents, but the traffic volume remained high for a Wednesday night.   I was home by 8. 

 

 

 

I had a hard time getting in the door.  It jammed and I suspect the rug down below having been caught in the door stopped. 

Since arriving home, I had tea, located the phone, sent the final text messages for the night, and watched a few more episodes from the two NCIS marathons.

See you in the morning.

I have officially started my vacation

 

 

I'm officially on vacation.   My day was good.  I had to return home because I forgot my work ID.   Although I was slightly late, I arrived at work and began processing claims, sorting health logic, and scanning.  It was all done by lunch which allowed me to get some personal stuff done until it was time to leave for my appointment with Dr. Yang.

The appointment was productive, and she consistently provided timely updates throughout the process.    We will reduce prednisone to 10 MG and eventually the other med.  Need to take some more blood work while on vacation

After that appointment I headed to PetSmart.  Got kibble for the newbie kitty.  I purchased Fancy Feast for kittens.   Nula was dry.   I also asked for some advice and the girl was helpful.  I considered purchasing bowls, but determined they were unnecessary. I didn’t get any toys because I think we have enough.

On my way home, I called Gillion to talk about the plans for tomorrow.   She was at Faith’s for the “bridal Party”.  She mentioned two types of cats: tabbies and others I can't recall.   Two are mail and one a female. But one of them is already promised to another rescuer. We will be going to New London to pick them up.  Let's meet at the Park and Ride around noon.

It was quarter of 5 when I got home so I fed sky and have been spending some time cuddling on and off cuddling.  I did bring down the other litterbox and I will fill it tomorrow.

So last night I got the dress for the wedding.  It looks great.  I got several catalogs.  I am wondering if I will get the other three next week.  Now I am thinking about shoes, and a couple of new pocketbooks, one being a clutch for the wedding.

 An hour later I received my Amazon order.  It was my 2026 Appointment book, and the bingo chips.  I assumed it was the pot scrubbers.   I wonder if they will arrive in a different order.

Sky has gone to sleep on the cat tree.   I have closed the house, and I am about to go myself.  Initially, I was not feeling well.

 

 

This past week

I've been receiving blood test results from both the hospital and my primary doctor.   He told me my A1C was up and so was my cholesterol.  So almost every day I have gone to pick up prescriptions and make sure I take them. My PC wants me to get blood work in a couple of months.  I need to check the patient portal for notes.  He strongly urges me to take the meds for the A1C and Cholesterol because if I don’t, I can’t have a stroke or heart attack.

Due to being on antibiotics, the infusion scheduled for Friday was cancelled.  I checked with the rheumatologist, and she confirmed and thanked me for following up.   I don’t know if they will call me back forh this month or just keep the schedule as it is.

I just reordered the one from Dr. Yang.  It’s a huge ass name too.  It should be here in a couple of days.  I will also see her next Friday before I start my vacation.  Although that wouldn’t matter or not. 

I'm working on improving the menus.   To make better choices but that I am finding difficult.  For example.  I had a bowl of cereal this morning (not the usual 2 bowls) but I had coffee a few times today and now having Cinnamon Apple Spice and for lunch three rib steaks thin.  I had planned on cooking all three since they were frozen together and have only one and use the other two for something else in the next couple of days.  I should have put them in the freezer instead of eating them.

I was considering tonight's party food.  I am going to try hard not to eat the wings that I am bringing but I saw on the message board that there will be lots of fruit and salads and some snacky stuff.  Stay hydrated.

I still need to review recipes to see if they suit my needs.   I will let you know

here I go again summer edition

 

I have been having a problem trying to write what has been going on with me and my world but every time I start, I get writers block. 

 

It's Saturday morning and I'm at the laundromat to avoid the noisy machine at home.   I have made some movement to find a service guy but hit the walls.  Next door Don says he has a guy and will ask. However, he Has his SC friend visiting. 

 

Things in the complex are good. The landscaping is changing, and we recently made a new protocol that all front flower beds need to be uniformed.  Same bushes or whatever they call it.  Some people are kvetching about it.  Others are not.  This will be one of many things that will probably lead to unrest coming election time this winter.

 

I don’t know if I mentioned in my long-ago missive that we have another cable provider Xfinity or whatever it’s called that came in this past spring.  I don’t know if anyone has signed up with it or not, but I do know every so often we get the ads for it or promos.

 

Bills were paid, though taxes made things a bit tight.   I was anxious about the taxes, but they were paid in time for the august deadline. 

 

I have prepared meals at home, but I have continued to choose takeout for some meals, particularly for lunch.   I am planning on doing more cooking tomorrow.

 

It's been months since I last spoke to Liz.   If I haven’t explained it was because while she was having a luncheon with her recovery people, I showed up to pick up food that she had for me.  One of her friends told me to go in.  I was wrong. I tried to explain but it didn’t fly.  Two weeks later, she sent me a message expressing how she felt.   It was also a left-handed invite to Easter celebration at my nieces.  Everything in that text was something I should have sent her earlier.  She feels I disrespect her opinions, her advice.  When she shares her opinions regarding my job, lifestyle choices, or housekeeping abilities, it feels more like a command than anything else.  I feel as though no matter what I say or do it will never be enough. 

 

I suspect she's isolating me from the family.   Yes, I realize I sound paranoid. I noticed a cousin was posting on Facebook that she was in town and I think she was staying with Liz.  I noticed the same car there for several days.   I have also been reading up or researching different forms of abuse.   According to this isolation is one of them.

 

I have had some people say I need to talk with Liz and clear the air.  Others are saying to do what I am doing (shades of world wars I & II with her in the past) and keep my sanity.

 

I will not pursue relationships with my family, including cousins, siblings, or nieces and nephews. IF they are not willing to spend time with me.  After having said that I did send an email to the cousin who was in town and just said I was sorry we didn’t get together while she was in town and the next time maybe we should meet for coffee.

 

Granted I did see the R, M, branches at the celebration of life, and Christening for Rosella.  The atmosphere with Liz was civil but that’s it.  Everyone else appears to be fine.

 

I have been keeping in touch with Big Brother, and SIL by text.  He seems to be doing okay.  I will be seeing them in September for a few days. 

 

He recently was doing a project having to do with Dad’s Birthday and his DOD.  He was way off the date (I suspect that’s his memory not working right) and was checking with us (Liz and I) Liz gave info but for some reason he couldn’t see it .  I sent him a separate text.  I didn’t want to contradict Liz.

 

A week later he sent a text and so I called him (I think he called me too) that’s when I told him what was going on.  He felt bad about that.  As I was explaining my reasons for not telling him sooner, he reminded me I can’t control how he thinks or what worries about.  My Original plan was to tell him in person when I see him in September.  Its just that these texts were coming I was concerned that he would walk into something.

 

I did talk via text with Both his daughter Em and James JR.  Awhile back there was very strong Earthquake in CA.  Em experienced it.  She was safe but it shook her up.  I just recently discovered James JR. spent the summer working with his former law firm in LA.  He wasn’t part of the recent National Guard Deployment in DC.

 

Sent a text to kris in Colorado.  Haven’t heard back from him yet either.  I will send another soon.

August 10 marked the thirteenth anniversary of Brother Bob’s passing.   As in the years Both Niece D and SIL Ethel has posted Memorials. 

Ethel is living in the Philippines.   Diane is performing in Austen’s Pride in MO.  She'll be there until the 24th.   John and Tiffany are doing well.  They became grandparents recently.  Tiffany is getting ready for school.  John is doing EMT.  They traveled and visited with family members.   Rob is working and spending time with friends.

 

Healthwise, I have been having chronic UTI.  I have a Cystoscopy next week.  I had a renal Ultrasound yesterday; there are no problems.  BP has been good.  Haven’t really Monitored it except when I go to the appointments.  The occasional swelling but other than some gastro problems.  I am trying to figure that out. 

 

I have been chatting with Mama R.  She has been dealing with Cancer.  She is currently finishing up some chemo and is supposed to have reduction surgery in early fall.  Despite the trials and tribulations of this journey she and Papa became Grandparents in early summer.

 

When I am not working or volunteering been spending time with the girls in Finding Friends Meetup.  We have our weekly meetups at Madison Beach at M&J’s Beach stand (they have everything).  We also went to the shoreline Diner.

 

We are assisting FH with her October vow renewal.  Gill has been pushing her to get things done for this.  The reception will now be held in the yard.   We even made some flowers out of book pages.

 

We are having a movie night in a couple of weeks.  It will be the Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson.  It is supposed to be outside in the yard.   We will play Left Right Center.

 

I must admit the other meetup groups have been busy, but I haven’t been doing any of their activities.  Sticking with the Finding friends’ group

 

I am still volunteering at the nursing home.  Tomorrow is the day I will go in.  Sadly, some of my bingo buddies have either died or are not coming as much. 

 

Work has been normal.  Some weeks are good, and some not so much.  Guardian Angel/Gargoyle is becoming overstepping boundaries but after talking with my team leader, I have decided to be a little more open.  She was getting into things that were not her business. 

 

Negotiations for our new contract have started and we have had a few rallies and one coming up next week.  Some of the issues are already becoming crazy.  It will be interesting to say the least.

 

Well, That’s about it for now. 

 

 

This week was the second Anniversary ..

 

I was on FB earlier this week (at Breaktime).  I saw my coworkers KC’s Memorial to our former Coworker who committed suicide 2 years ago Tuesday.  It was Memorial Day weekend.  We were working that Friday.  Linda was working and seemed semi normal.  She left late that day and headed up to her family’s vacation spot and the next day jumped from the side of the MT Pisgah mountain near Lake Willoughby.

 

We lTearned on Tuesday after the holiday.   The Administration eventually sent the email.  The services were on June 5 at St Michael’s in New Haven.  I remember attending the wake, but I’m unsure about the funeral. During that time those who were in the office wondered how and why she could do this.  We knew she had problems and was troubled.

 

Since that time, the Local 34 Committee for the Office of YM has prioritized reaching out to individuals who may be experiencing difficulties.  That’s one of the reasons we started focusing on JT this passed year.  We have been doing it longer than that.

 

The rest of this week has been busy with the daily stuff.  Some days felt longer due to annoying traffic.  On Thursday, I learned new work procedures successfully. I planned to stay longer today, but I started feeling sick at lunch.

 

The Annual University Spirit Week will commence next Tuesday.  I believe there is a Employee Appreciation lunch.  It should be fun.  Several of us from the office will be attending.  I am not sure if those working remotely will be attending.

 

I experienced a stomach bug on two occasions this week.  The first was during Wednesday’s Meetup.  The second event I mentioned earlier happened today.  I had to come home after two.  Since two thirty been taking it easy.  I had to miss Steph’s Birthday party.

 

I attended the first part of my dentist’s appointment last night.  I got there a little late but the whole procedure was to prepare for a temporary cap for my tooth.  It included a mold of the area so that the permanent one goes in.  The appointment is scheduled for next Thursday at 6:45 PM. I will not require any additional time.

 

I am going to the lab tomorrow to get blood work done for Dr.Y (Metabolism Assoc).  Our next appointment is in a couple of months.  I must review the appointments. I must also check my Cholesterol level for the Cardiologist.

 

I have an appointment with the eye doctor early next Friday morning, and I will take the entire day off for it.  I wasn’t sure if I will have eyes dilated or not.  I didn't want to go back to work with dilated eyes.   Next week, my schedule is quite full with appointments at the end of the week.  The following week I will look at later.

 

My nephew John, Angel Brother's older son, recently completed his EMT course and is now a certified EMT.  I don’t know if he has a job or not.  I am so proud of him.  Tiffany is proud.

 

His sister has been busy with theater activities.  Merman seems to have been vomiting under the bed.    Merman is their cat.

 

I am starting to get tired so I think I will finish this for now.

It is Memorial Day weekend

 

Today begins the unofficial start of the summer season.  There is a parade planned this weekend but there are a few people including some of my acquaintances that don’t want to have a parade.  I am not sure why that is but several posts on Facebook that remind us that this holiday is to remember those who didn’t get to come home from their tours of the different wars.

No Parades Uh oh.  I just looked up why there shouldn’t be parades.  Well, I hope that worked.  I also found out that saying Happy Memorial Day is inappropriate to say.  OOPS.  Other countries honor their dead soldiers throughout the year.

The week went well even though I had a couple of challenges that took me some time to get through it.  There was a misunderstanding with CSenior, but it was resolved later. She reminded me not to be reactionary and to apologize.

I accidentally broke GW's mug, brought it home, and tried to fix it. Despite the warning, I inadvertently got glue on my hands.  I will try again tomorrow.

There were only four of us in the office today because of the holiday.  Many people took the day off, while others worked remotely.  I entered first, followed by others after some time.

I attended my coworker's husband's wake after my infusion yesterday. I didn't stay for the funeral services because the medication made me tired. I was home by 5:30.

My medical appointments this week went well. The cardiologist wants me to test my cholesterol levels.   I need to fast for it.  The Benlysta infusion was yesterday.  The Nephrology appointment at the Metabolism Association went well, despite my high blood pressure when I arrived.   It was at the level that the others had noted. She requested that I use Farxiga eventually.  I need to get lab work so we can see if I can lower the prednisone to 10.

I recently discovered that Mama Roberta is dealing with breast cancer.   She has had it since last October.  She has been enduring chemo, losing hair, and getting a new wig that looks beautiful.  I think she told me in our last phone chat she was having a chemo treatment today.  She says it will knock her out for the next few days. 

She is maintaining her daily routine, including meetups and housekeeping.  I am not sure when she is having surgery if at all.  She and Papa are expecting their first grandchild in June.  

When she first told me the news I was floored.  Whenever we spoke on the phone, she never revealed anything.   I've offered to help them if needed, as it put my problems in perspective.

It's been cold and rainy since Wednesday.   We got some early sun, but it felt raw.   I was hoping the weather is nice for the rest of the weekend.    It doesn’t look like it though.  I remembered last year that the weather in May was all over the place.  Especially at Memorial Day.

Well its getting late and I am getting tired.  Have a great one…

I didn't write much this week

 

When I started writing this It was after midnight.  I did try and go to sleep at 10 but it didn’t work.  Honestly, I stripped the bed sheets and washed them but was too lazy to remake the bed.  I told myself I would do it when I got up.   I did make time to take ZQuil.

Debra and I had our zoom call Tuesday.  It was great to see her.  The session was about 45 minutes.  We talked about the week.  We continued the same topics from last week.  We won’t be meeting next week. 

Work that day was good even though I was exhausted. The office was cold and remained that way for the rest of the week.  Managed to get a lot done. 

That night I went to the Meetup.  There were five of us.  I learned that the Halloween themed activity for this weekend had two people sign up and they both don’t like each other.  It was Faith, and Emma.  During the summer they had issues with the food that Faith Made for Emma and Faith was not exactly forthcoming with repaying or what.  Now Emma doesn’t even come to the meetups.  When Jackie heard this, she felt that first and foremost.  Faith shouldn’t have brought the food to the meetup.  That she should have made other arrangements.  It was agreed that this is part of the business that Faith is part of, and she should have done better.  I remember the incident but stayed out of.  I love Faith but sometimes she comes off as a little self-centered.

Thursday, I had my Hematology appointment, and he was concerned.  I am anemic again.  He hemmed and hawed about taking the iron pill.    He acted as though I didn’t tell him I had nephritis before.  I could have sworn what I did.  He said I still had no blood clot.  I hate it when he does that, but it could happen anytime.  I will See him in January.

Friday was a good day for work.  We  had a staff meeting at 9 or 10.  It was a quick one.  We didn’t make our monthly goal for AR but it’s because one of our providers didn’t send stuff to us.  We were reminded to take advantage of training and classes that are coming up.  I asked them to turn the heat on in the building as the AC was still on.  It was still cold for us.  I told them if I keep drinking coffee you will need to scrape me off the ceiling.    

That afternoon I had my appointment with Dr. Yang.  The BP was up, and so meds changed and or stopped.  I must monitor BP at home.  I see her in November.

After my appointment I headed home with a stop at Mission BBQ and got ribs and baked beans.  It was delicious but I regretted getting it when I started getting sick a few hours later.  I think it had to do with the meds I took as well.

Today, I am multitasking between writing and cleaning and watching TV.  I have some laundry to finish and grocery shopping to do but the grocery stuff can wait until tomorrow.  I am having dinner with Liz at Lassie’s Restaurant.  We are going for 4.

I had a good sleep last night

 

As you know I went to bed early and I was glad I did.  I had a good sleep.  I did get up a couple of times but that was to go to the bathroom.

When I finally got up, I fed Sky and then went back to bed for a little while.  Then got up and got ready for work and took the morning meds.  I managed to get my meds taken.  I still must do tonight’s.

You know as I was getting dressed, I checked the blue pants I got from Women Within, and they are too stained to wear to work. I may have to get another pair.

When I left, I headed to the post office to mail that return package for Liz.  It didn’t take long.  I let her know that it was done when I got to work.

When I got to work, I was a little late but got started on the claim forms and the health logic.  I sorted the earlier batches and still have two or three more days that are light.    

WE have been infested with gnats for several days, it got worse in the last two days.  Guardian Angel/Gargoyle called in to building services and it got taken care of but its going to be a while before they are completely gone.

I spent the afternoon working on the refund request scanning.  More like an hour.  Then correspondence, and insurance updates for Registration…I need to finish those tomorrow.  I just put them together.

I got home around quarter of five and discovered Debra was running late so when we finally got to start it had to be by phone.  She was having trouble sending a zoom link to me.  Hopefully, we will use the zoom next week.

I am going to bed.  I won’t be getting my infusion because of the antibiotics I am still on.

 

 

it was a beautiful Day

 

The day started out in the mid sixties and by the time I left for Madison for the meetup it was 74.  Earlier in the day I turned off the AC and opened most if not all the windows. If it gets cold by the time I come home tonight I will close them.

I had to take my time getting out of bed this morning because I didn’t get to sleep until the time I was getting up for the day.

I fed Sky, I had coffee, watched TV, and then got ready for my Metabolism Associates appointment with Dr. Yang.  I will cut to the chase.  The Blood pressure got high, and it finally went down to an acceptable level for them.  However, that means the Lasik has increased (the legs were swollen),  and the prednisone was decreased again.  Oh and my weight is really up there.  I sat there going over everything I had been eating and admitted that I hadn’t taken the meds this morning.  I did when I got home although I took my time doing it.

The rest of the day I puttered around until it was time to leave for the meetup.  I made a stop at the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions that doctor Yang ordered for me. Then I took off for Madison. The drive wasn't too bad it was made better the fact that I did not have to hear the noise from the car.

When I got there it was after 5 the restaurant was closed but we sat at one of the tables. Gillian, Laura, sin, in the New Girl pippin we're already there. After I came faith, Jane, and Mei arrived.  Laura, Pippin, and Mei had to leave early. But we had a good time, we talked about a lot of things such as health, cars, politics.  We may go to the beach next week depending on the weather. We may go to Christie's or probably on backup which is the diner in Guildford.

It was nearly 830 when I got home. I tried to call Roberta but unfortunately, she didn't answer so she might have been busy. I decided to watch television until I fell asleep and that's when I went to bed, I did have a bowl of cereal too.

one More Day

 

There's one more day left until I take my vacation. Almost everything is done and whatever doesn't get done by tomorrow will either wait or Tanya or Annette will have to finish until I get back.

The computer issues that were up on Tuesday were fixed by this morning and everything is working just fine.

We had a brief committee meeting today. Our dinner plans for this weekend have changed for various reasons. So, we will not be meeting this weekend. We will see each other next week for regular committee and then at the picnic on the 14^th.  There is our rally on Sunday afternoon at 4IN Greenwich. EV will be picking me up after bingo that day and I will go up with her.

My Birthday Lunch/Dinner with AB, MA has also been moved to next Saturday.  Their schedules had completely changed from when we scheduled this earlier in the week.  I am glad we didn’t make reservations.  Just saying.

Oh, it seems Covid is rising on the campus again.  It was recommended that we wear masks when we can.  All the other precautions also have been listed and recommended as well.  The latest missive arrived today I believe.  I a am contemplating on wearing a mask in the office and when ever I am with Liz.One

My Rivera Clan all came home from their cruise with Covid.  They were supposed to start school today, but I doubt it.  I will ask Liz tomorrow.  Everyone else seemed fine.  Liz tells me she has bronchitis again.  She will also be monitoring for Covid.  If her Temp goes over 100, she was told to go to hospital.   In our conversation it was agreed that she just wanted to be left alone to sleep and rest.  I let her know that if she needed anything to call me and I would get it.  I won’t be visiting much during my vacation me thinks.

I have yet to call Internal Medicine for them to help me with the glucometer.  For lots of reasons.  I didn’t have time during the week, and they close by the time I get home.  Well maybe tonight they will have been open longer.  Maybe Saturday.  I am taking other meds but not always at the same time.  I know I need to get back to regular with them.

I see Dr. Yang next week.  She will be asking me about that too I am sure.  I am seeing Dr Sonia the following week.  The rest of the time I don’t have many appointments except the infusion.

The New England Regional Chapter of Linden Hall Alumnae has been revving up for the semester.  We are scheduling our next Luncheon and its in Boston.  I just can’t make it this month.  As I said to them via email maybe next time.  I did voice that I want to continue with the zoom meeting and chats.  Let’s hope they let me continue.         

Endicott College in Beverly is having their Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at the end of September.  I have gotten like 4 emails about it.  I just won’t be able to go yet.  I haven’t gone to any of the others either.  I never graduated from there anyway.

Well, that’s about all I have for tonight.  I am getting tired.

Now I remember

 Now I remember what else was going on Saturday!  I got phone calls from Both Dr. Yang and Dr. Gordon Dole.  They told me my sugar levels are up and I need to get more blood work.  I also had to cut the sugars out and to call MY PC.  Dr. Yang changed up the meds.  I am taking a new one atovaquone 750 mg/5 mL suspension.  Commonly known as: MEPRON.  It's gross (like everything else) and messy.  I reduced the prednisone but I have a feeling I needed to wait a little longer.

I did call Internal Med Saturday and had to leave a message.  I got a call in the last couple of days.  They reminded me gently that prednisone is known to raise the sugar levels when using it long term.  THat’s how it is for now.  I am also going to have to get a monitor. 

 Liz Suggested that I look up a different one that they recommended.  To see if the insurance covers it.  I tried but couldn’t find anything on it in my benefits or programs.  I will have to keep trying.

I saw the cardiologist Wednesday.  He is pleased that the BP is down. He wants me to wear the compression socks (did one night) and raise my legs when I am lying down or whatever

I have to admit.  I have still been eating.  I had ice cream after the appointment.  ADding to the bagel and what ever else I had this week.  As I was leaving my meetup on Wednesday I (I hope) Diarrhea.  I had just had shrimp wrap and fries.  I gave up the rest of the fries before leaving.

I had the weird Leg cramps that night too.  I did everything to get rid of it.  Since then I have eaten bananas and made sure I drank water.

Saturday was my Brother's Anniversary

 It's been twelve years since my brother Bob passed.  My sister in law posted a Pic of them. As a memory.  It took me until the end of the day to make the connection.   I mentioned  it to both Liz and Jim.  They both realized it too

That day Liz and I went to STaples so that she could get her passport retaken because the earlier ones looked bad for her.  We spent about two hours there in between waiting for the girl, and getting the pictures taken and we looked at IPADS and laptops.

One of the first questions Liz had was “is this an impulse buy”.  My answer was no but I am not ready to get one just yet this is just looking to see what the prices are.  I would prefer a laptop over an IPad or tablet.  I still have to look the reviews up.  There are a couple of the laptops that are on Amazon.

When we finally got home we fixed the swing that had fallen over during the previous night’s weather event(very windy and rainy)

The rest of Saturday is becoming a blur.  Probably watched TV..  When NextDoor Don came home I spent time with them and then came home checked in on LauraG.

Sunday definitely is becoming a blur.  Talked with Jim Late in the day.  He has been cutting back on doing the driving but Janis Has picked it up.  HE tells me he has been falling at least a few times a week.  

I just recently found out that my cousin CArol (and DLH”s Sister) will be retiring to Greece next year with her husband.  The last I knew she was on Disability and HE was working.  Liz has never been fond of Carol and I know I have had my problems with her but we were younger then.

Yesterday was Nelson’s Birthday.  Liz and Rich went to an early dinner but they really didn’t enjoy it.  RIch is having problems swallowing these days and that’s not good.  For Liz it was a day of reflexiveness?

Heard from My sister

 I got a text from Liz the other day, asking me if I Was okay because she hadn’t heard from me..  I haven't text her since Monday.  After talking To both Mama R and Debra.  They both reminded me that even though she can have an opinion, she can't do anything Legally.  Anyway, I told her I was just busy at work, and that I am fine.  Told her about the Dr. Appointment yesterday.

I probably should have said something about Friday but as I said to both Debra and Roberta, If I say “this bothered me” or you said things I didn’t like etc.  That would give her reason to continue to do it.  I don’t want that.   I sent her one this morning, we talked about the weather, her activities, and Chris and his family.  His Daughter Sophie started First Grade this week.  I can’t believe it.

Things in Allentown seem to be okay.  There was some concern a couple of weeks ago between J&J and I am trying to stay out of that one.  Their weather is lots of rain and tornadoes.  

Everyone else is doing fine. AGain I Will find out when I actually talk with Liz. I am pretty sure the Rivera/Maratea grands and great grands go back to school in a couple of weeks.

Work has been busy for me.  Trying to get more scanning and time management done.  I thought I was doing pretty well but GA was riding my butt for the last few days since she returned from vacation made me feel as though I wasn’t.  BEfore you ask, no she is not my supervisor or boss.  She has repeatedly told me that i don’t answer to her nor does she answer to me.  

The annual Union Picnic had to be rescheduled from last week to sometime in September.  It was due to the weather.  I plan on going.  The Science park committee is having a Tipsy tomato Lunch on My birthday.  There are a few other things coming up as well.

Condo life is good.  President Frank C.  had covid and was hospitalized for a few days and then stayed away from people most of the following  week.  Next Door Don is coming home Friday.  He texted several times to show where he was at different points of his trip.  The Board meeting is next week.

Spent time with the girls from Finding friends.  Our weekly Wednesday night was held at the diner because of the rain. PRior to that we have been at the Madison Beach Club and its been beautiful.  I don’t think we have a major activity coming up yet but a few of the girls got together to see the theater.  FH was in an accident and had to get a new Car.

Other than the emotional and mental health the physical has been pretty good.  The BP has been low and the protein level is lowering.  Still taking the meds.  I haven’t been using the CPAP machine.  I do have a cardiologist appointment next week and the infusion at the end of the month.

The weather is  supposed  to be bad tonight.  Remnants of Debby.ITs humid out and windy and the sun comes in and out but later today and into  tonight there is more rain and storms coming.  The rest of the weekend is supposed to be nice.  We did have a lot of rain this week.

So a few weeks ago.

 I was meeting my sister at the Nephrologist.  We got as far as the lobby and I was ahead of her and realized I needed to bring her closer to the elevator.  I turned and tripped over a threshold that was coming up off the floor (and not lifting my foot high enough) and did a complete faceplant on the floor.  Liz helped me up as much as she could.  I had bruises on my face, wrist and knees.  They gave me ice and after the appointment sent me to the ER.

My sister took me over and dropped me off and waited for a bit (parking was limited) . She offered to come inside but she was sort of annoying me.  After about an hour I sent her home.  I finally got triaged about 5:30 and sent back to the main ER.  Where I was put in a hallway in a chair and then eventually on a gurney in the hallway by the nurses station. From time to time checking in with Liz and some of the girls from the meetup.

I was able to get a dinner of cereal,milk, fruit, juice and a sandwich.   It was nearly 10 when I got the CT Scan that took all of 2 minutes.  The results followed soon after.  .  

Liz came and picked me up and took me to my car and I was home by 11 that night.

Good news, no concussion, but a contusion bruises still  remain on the right knee.  forehead the wrist  seems to be hurting for repetitive motion but yhe bruise gone. 

I have Nephritis

 I have Nephritis.  Its stage 4..not the same as Cancer Stage 4.  It was confirmed after my recent Biopsy.  It went quickly.  ITs in both Kidneys.  I am on a whole bunch of new meds and new strengths of other meds.  Two Words: Horse Pills for a few of them.  

I had to adapt to some of the meds (they made me sick a couple of weeks ago now).  EVery so often I take only milk or water and it  isn’t pretty..  However, I can say I haven’t had the issues I did when I started it.  

My sister went with me to Dr. Sonia last week and we were both relieved (I believe) at the outcome and.can move forward.  Dr. Sonia reassured me that Dialysis and transplant are not in my future.

I don’t have to change much of my diet.  THe sodium and salt basically I do have edema. Taking meds for that.

Until the last few days had been doing my BP  that is until I was getting Discouraged.  I will take it tonight.

Haven’t done the cpap in a week.or more.. 

Rough Day yesterday

 Yesterday morning I went to work and by 9:30 I was heading home.  I had a stomach bug.  I am not sure exactly what caused it but you know how sometimes we wonder what may be causing it.  I figured it was the buttered noodles I had a lot of.

So I came home, laid on the couch and then made the first of several trips during the day to the toilet.  As the day progressed it seemed that the events were farther and farther apart.  The only thing I had was water.  I was getting dry mouth too.  I also had a headache..in the back of the head when I slept on a particular pillow.  

I didn’t even go out last night but I did manage to get some sleep so much that I was awake at 4 this morning. I did manage to lay in bed a little bit longer as I do on a daily basis.  Today the headache is gone.

Another thing I need to come clean about is I haven’t been taking my meds for the lupus and BP like I should.  I did take them last night.  It's not that I forget them, it's that I tell myself oh I will take it later by then it's nearly bedtime. 

When I went to the infusion last week as usual the BP was up.  When I saw the Pulmonary Doctor he said that your BP would not be up if you used the cpap machine.  As usual I promised to use it.  I haven’t since then.  Guess what I plan on doing tonight?

I was 226 lbs when I checked in for my infusion last week.  I knew right then what it was.  Not eating the right foods, having too much red meat.  THis is the guilty conscious talking here. I am going to have to do better. 

Liz is still struggling with her health issues.  I am sure Nelson is too.  THey are easily tired by the end of the day.  Liz had her infusion the day after mine.

Rich is home from the hospital now about a week now.  He is back at work and seems to be doing fine.

I am sure everyone else is good.